XIXth Painting : "young Italian Shepherd"

19th century painting: “Young Italian shepherd”, oil on canvas laid down on panel 69 X 55 cm, mounted in a slightly damaged and veiled gilt frame 79 X 66 cm. Circa 1880. Originally painted in a simulated oval, probably on a rectangular canvas, a "restorer preferred to cut it out and smooth it (badly: blisters in places) on a panel on the back of which is an attribution to Jean-François Portaels , astonishing but plausible, this artist having won the Prix de Rome (the Belgian one!) and staying in the Eternal City, but prior to the realization of this painting; I hope it's not the postponement of a signature that would have disappeared when cut! From Outre-Quiévrain. The Pifferari, shepherds from Abruzzo with characteristic traditional dress, went down to Rome in the off-season where, for a few coins, they gave the aubade in groups of two or three musicians at the foot of the innumerable statues of the Virgin that adorn Rome. Their second activity is to serve as models for passing painters and photographers! This young boy with a sweet face wears the classic costume, shirt covered with a sheepskin vest, a coat with a collar covering everything, as well as a hat decorated with pompoms and a red ribbon. Do not hesitate to ask us for photos or additional information by email or telephone. Other photos and many other objects in our shops in Pau and Biarritz and on our website: galerielhoste.com.